INVENTOR a/M oaf BY ATTORNEYS United States Patent O gnur to Unia corporation The present invention relates to business equipment and, more paritcularly, to a novel system for comprehensively recording accounting and operating data with hitherto unequaled speed and accuracy.

The primary object of the present invention is to provide a novel remotely controlled system that enters data transmitted from tire site (eg. sales counter, purchasing ottico, receiving platform, refund desk. credit department, etc.) of a commercial transaction, at very time of its consummation, in any l all peru accounting and ag (statistical records, which then may be without vention of human delay. Generally, this system comprises a plurality of transmitters for transmitting data from a plurality oi: trans' tion sites, a plurality of memories for selectively receiving records representing accounting multiple entries related to the transaction data in response to the signals, and a director tot transmitting signals from appropriate ,z registers to the multipticity of memories esiYe id bythe sig .als Each transmitter prod a tra cuen slip or other printed and/or code-l source document (eg. sales slip. credit slip, invoice, etc.) vented for acceptability and accuracy at the time of the consummation ot the transaction. The director includes switching for locating a source register at which. a transaction is in process, i temporarily storing ,nting information all memories .g sig is repreall memories so cling the source 1 Tite memoA y .els ledgers. These memories rece from the direcors signals which i mit senting the temporarily stored ii rd to designated and thereafter for disconn register from the remt tiret have been verified for acceptability by reference to a verily a record repress steli st. Signals from these memories are compared at the time of each trans- Other o ,mention will part be in part appear inatter.

The invention accordingly comprises tric possessing the construmion. combination of elements and arrangement of parts. wl 'el are exempl L lowing detailed dis-'.,losurc, and the scope of .vh'sl indicated in the claims.

For a fuller understanding of the na the invention, 1 terence should he had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the ite-:ompanying drawings wherein:

ifIGUl-l'l l is a general schematic diagram of an illustrative automiic accounting and operating system einbodying the present invention;

FiG. la is a schematic diagram of auxiliary components that may be associated with the system of FIG. l;

FlG. 2 illustrates details, fragmentary for clarity, of the circuitry and mechanism of a transmitter of tde system of FiG. 2;

FG. 3 is a side View of a component of the register of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a bloeit diagram transmitter of Flc-G. E;

FIG. 5 illustrates details of a the director ol FIG. l',

apparatus a component of the locator of lCe FIG. 6 illustrates details of a temporary storage of the director' of FlG. l;

FIG. 7 illustrates details of a memory locator of the director of FIG. l;

FG. 8 illustrates further details of the memory locator of FlG. 7;

FIG` 9 illustrates an exemplary memory or the system of FIP. 1, partly in fragmentary mechanical elevation and partly in electrical block diagram;

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the memory of FIG. 9;

Fi'G. ll is a sectional view of the memory of 4G. 9, taken substantially along the line 11H13;

MGS. lle, lib and llc are alternative fragments of the memory ot FIG. 9; and

F153. 12 is a sectional view of the memory of FI". 9, taken substantially along the line 12-12.

The Block Diagram 0f FIG. l in FIG, l by way of example, the illustrated of the present invention is described herein to department store accounting and operating system comprising a plurality of transmitters 2t) for transmitting siffnals representing transaction data from a plurality of transaction sites, an arrangement 22 of memories for selectively' receiving records representing accounting multiple entries related to the transaction data in response to the signals, and a director 24! for trans- `fting signals from appropriate transmitters to the mul- .ity of memories designated by the signals. Transrs 2Q are located throughout the many areas and rooms of the department store and/cr department store branches. Memories 22 and director 24 are located at one or a few central locations in the department store, one or more ot" its branches or elsewhere.

Aft[rangement 22 includes one or more composite memories Fifi each given composite memory: including a watch iernory 315 to which incoming signals are referred in order to determine the aceepta'e ity to management of the transact' ns they represent teg, credit approval); a .nory 395 which receives a sequence of records or all transactions represented by the sequence of signals transmitted to the given composite memory Eil; a plurality of ledger memories it@ of wl ich certain ones receive selected records of transactions represented by certain of the signals transniitted to the given composite memory; a plurality of arithmetic calculators 42, each oi which resp selected signal to the given composite memory As shown embodiment in reference i.e. money amounts or the like recorded by totalizers 46; and a comparator G for issuing a warning signal in the event of an unbalance at any given time between the running total maintained by totalizer 44 and the running total maintained by totalizer 48.

Director 24 includes: electromagnetic switching units 52 for locating an operating transmitter at which a transaction is in process, electromagnetic converting units 54 for temporarily storing a record in response to signals representing information relating to this transaction, and electromagnetic switching units 56 for locating all meinories designated by the temporarily stored signals.

As shown in FIG. la, the data recorded in the memories of the illustrated system may be analyzed by auxiliary components including analysis units 57 capable of receiving selected data from the journal memories, a locator 59 for locating any analysis unit desired and a printer 61 for recording the analysis results.

In the present system, certain of the signals representing information being transferred are in the form of selected combinations of frequency cords or tones. It is apparent that ten digits may be represented as ten difierent combinations of two out of six frequencies. In other words, any individual digit from O to 9 of a first decimal column or order of a multi-digit number or field may be represented by a code of two out of six frequencies, any individual digit from 0 to 9 of a second decimal column or order may be represented by a code of two out of six other frequencies, etc. The two out of six frequencies presenting7 the first decimal order, the two out of six frequencies representing the second decimal order, etc. all may be combined for transmission at one time while retaining their identity for separation by suitable discriminating circuits. It has been found that a six digit eld preferably is represented by twelve out of thirty six frequencies.

The illustrated system will be described in reference to a plurality of fields or specific groups of digits, which fields are intended to represent all relevant information of a given transaction. Certain fields determine particular memories to which information is to be transmitted and certain other fields represent mathematical entries involved in the transaction. By way of example below, the selection of a particular memory represented by a particular field will be illustrated in detail. This selection is similar to other selections of other memories represented by other fields occurring simultaneously.

The Transmitters as Illustrated n FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 Each of transmitters 26, 28, 3() and 32 includes generally: a housing, a fragment of which is designated 53 at the upper right of FIG. 2; a lreyset component, a fragment of which is designated 6@ at the upper left of FIG. 2; a coded tag or tab sensing component, a fragment of which is shown at 62; an annunciating component, a fragment of which is designated 64 underneath fragment 58 of the housing; and a source document component, a fragment of which is designated 65 at the upper right of FIG. E in association with fragment 64 of the annunciating component. Tag or tab sensing component 62, although shown singly, in practice is associated with a plurality of similar tag or tab sensing components that cooperate to sense simultaneously the tags or tabs of a customer, a sales clerk, a sales tag, ctc. Kcyset component 60 and sensing component 62 are interlockcd by a matrix component 63 which operates to prevent the operation of lrcysct component 6h when tag or tab sensing component 62 is in operation unless an operator intentionally interjects information from keyset 60. Annunciating component 64 enables an operator to observe the data setup in the` transmitter before transmission. Source document component 64 produces a source record of a desired portion of the transmitted data upon receipt of a signal evidencing the acceptance and conclusion ot the transaction. The signals sent by the illustrated transmitter are frequency signals containing digital information in the form of simultaneous pairs of discrete cords, each pair selected from a distinct set of six.

For clarity only three of the plurality of channels of the illustrated transmitter are shown for producing pairs of discrete cords. These pairs of discrete cords are selected from three groups of six frequencies each supplied by a suitable frequency generator 66 to each of three busses 68, 79 and '72. Three columns of kcysets 74, 76 and 78 are associated with three input busses 68, 70 and 72, respectively. Each kcyset of each column operates a switch, which when actuated applies to an output bus S1, a unique combination of two out of six frequencies. Frequency generator 66 also feeds its frequencies to a coded tag or tab sensing mechanism Sil, which constitutes one of plurality 62. Sensing mechanism S0 includes a pair of relatively reciprocable blocks 82 and 34 that respectively are provided with rows of spring pressed, axially movable, electrical input pins 86 and rows of stationary electrical contacts SS registered therewith. Pins 86 are fed with frequencies from busses similar to busses 68, 70 and 72. Interlock matrix 63 establishes whether keyset component 6G, sensing mechanism Sti or portions of both control the signals transmitted. Matrix component 63, for example, make break switches that prevent the transmission of frequencies through any kcysets 75, 76 and 78 that have been actuated, unless a portion of the information or its entirety is desired. Thus, if a coded tag or tab '79 is contiguousny interposed between bioclrs 82 and 84, keyscts 74, 76 and 78 cannot be actuated unless permitted by operation of interlock matrix 63, which then permits the transmission of keysct selected frequencies. On the other hand, if keysets 74, 76 and 78 have been actuated, interlock 63 may operate to transpose the sequence of certain digits set up by sensing mechanism 80 and keyset component 69. Furthermore, the output of sensing component 62 can be utilized to actuate interlock matrix 63.

The signals through interlock matrix 63 from output busses 81 and 91 are applied to a transducing network 92, which sets up annunciating component 64, source document component 65 and an associated switch network 94 (details of which are shown in FIG. 3). In the manner now to be described, annunciating component 64 serves to permit the operator to observe visual indicia of data that has been set up. After the operator has checked the visual indicia for accuracy, he causes a ready signal to appear on a ready circuit 96. This ready signal appears when a source record holder (not shown) is closed so as to operate a suitable interlock circuit 97. For purposes of clarity, it now should be stated that at this point, in a manner to be described later, signals representing the transaction are transmitted and the acceptability of the transaction is determined. If the transaction is found acceptable, the production of a source record and the release of the transmitter occurs to permit the transmitter to be set up for a new transaction.

Annunciating component 64 includes a plurality of annunciating mechanisms of which three are shown at 102, 104, and 106 in correspondence with busses 63, 70 and 72, respectively. As shown in FIG. 3, each annunciating mechanism includes a stationary mounting plate 168 and, mounted thereupon, a reciprocable slide rack 110, a rotatable print wheel 112 that is driven by slide rack 220, an indicator plate 116 that is carried by slide rack 110, and a suitable reset solenoid assembly 115. Rotatable with print wheel 112 is an auxiliary print wheel 114 for printing in a second position when desirable. The longitudinal position of slide rack liti and, consequently, the rotational position of print wheels 132 and 114 and the longitudinal position of indicator plate 16 are controlled as follows.

Slide rack 11i) is provided with a pair of parallel longitudinal slots v11h and 120 through which a pair of guide pins 122 and 124 extend from mounting plate 168.

Normally, slide rack 11i) is returned to the illustrated extreme position (with pins 122 and 124 in abutment `against the inner ends of slots 118 and 120) by reset assembly 115 against the reverse bias of a spring 126. Each slide rack 110 is associated with ten solenoids 128 that control the operation of slide rack 110'. In response to an appropriate direct current output from transducing networlt 92, one of ten solenoids 128 is energized. Solenoids 12S are operatively connected to slide links 130, which are vertically reciprocable under the constraint of a pair of guides 132 and 134. Slide links 130 normally are urged into the uppermost positions by compression springs 136, which are operatively disposed between slide links 130 and mounting plate 10S. Slide links 13G are provided with rearwardly projecting lugs 138 which project through openings 14d in mounting plate 1113. Mounted on the rearward face of mounting plate 1118 are a crank latch 142, which is pivoted `at 144, and a latch release slide 146, which is vertically reciprocable under the constraint of slots 1418 in slide 146 and pins 150 projecting from mounting plate S. It will be observed that one end of crank latch 142 is engaged by release slide 146 and the other end is provided with a lug 152 which is biased by a spring 154 into a notch 156 in slide rack 110. The arrangement is such that when one of the solenoids 128 is actuated, the lug 138 of one of slide links 131) engages latch release slide 146. In consequence, latch release slide 146 is moved downwardly, crank latch 1412 is pivoted so that lug 152 is withdrawn from notch 156 and slide rack 11G is directed to the left until its advance edge 158 abuts against the particular lug 138 that is engaging release slide 146. All other lugs 13S are spaced from the path of travel of advance edge S.

ln this position, slide rack 11G causes print 'wheels 112 and 114 to rotate to a position at which a particular increment 166' bearing one er more numerals or other characters is in printing position and causes indicatorplate 116 to advance to a position at which a corresponding increment 162 bearing corresponding numerals or other characters underlies a window 164 in housing 58 (FlG. 2).

As shown, slide rack 110 carries an insulated contact 16S which constitutes part oi switch network 94. Switch network 94 applies a selected pair of frequencies from an associated frequency bus (shown in FlG. 2 at 68, 7i] and 72) to ready circuit 96. ln this way, the selected indicia 162 visible through window 164 is directly interconnected with the selected pair of frequencies from the associated frequency bus. As indicated above, alter the acceptability of the transaction has been determined favorably, a. signal returned to the transmitter to cause the production of a source document. The source document, shown at 172, is produced as follows. The return signal causes a solenoid 16S to operate a printing platen 170 that is pivoted at 171. Document 172 of selected blanlt iforni, which is positioned in a drawer or other holder between printing platen 170 and an inked ribbon 174, receives an impression from printing wheels 112 and 114 when solenoid 16S is energized. This document after being printed is removed from the register by the operator.

A detail diagram of transducing network in FIG. 4. ln the illustrated system as indicated above, one digit of a six digit field is represented by a selection of two out oi six frequencies. The frequencies of a l of the groups are dillerent. A particular pair of frequencies applied to a particular one of solenoids 12S in the following way. All pairs of frequencies produced are applied to all of a plurality of broad band filters 176, each of which passes only one of. the groups of six frequencies. The select-d pair of reqiiencies from any broad band filter 17d are applied to ten narrow band iilters 178. Two of narrow band filters 17S will pass the two frequencies of the selected pair. The two outputs of these two narrow band filters 178 are capable of passing two frequencies, which when rectified by suitable recticrs 179, energize a pan ticiilnr solenoid 123. The arrangement is such that the output oi' only one or" the narrow band filters 178 will not energize a particular solenoid 128.

Allocation of a Director Storage to a Ready Circuit 'Yrniisiiiiffr'r FIG. 5

Transmitter locator 52, which as indicated in FIG. l is dcig cil to allocate a given number of director storage units S-i to a given number oi transmitters 2li, is shown in detail by vi'ny of example in Fifi. 5. Generally, the circuit of lilfl. 5 detects n transmitter with n transaction inl ready to sent, determines whether nn associated ducctor storage unit 54 is available, connects the transmitter so found to the available director storage unit so located, alter completing tir., connection of other transmitters that are ready to send to other available director storage units, and breaks the connection between any transniiltcr and any director storage unit as soon as the Y been accepted and recorded. cuit includes: a multilevel si cli 215i) in association with all rtinsinitters El); a plurality of multilevel switches i one switch 202 being in association with r rector storage 54; and a multilevel switch 264 for inastcr controlling the operation oi' switches 211) and 262. includ-cs nu nuto control level ting control level Zllli, n policing level L und n level 21334. l'lncn storage switch 26) itrol level 211251, a transmitter message level level 232e, and a storage control level 2625i. levels on transmitter and storage switches Zilli und are multipled. All storage control leve-s on transmitting and storage switches Zilli and 231i?. nrc niultipietl. All message levels 2412i) on storage switches EFE only nrc rnultiplcii. The message leads of are connected to the respective pole various t fitti:

points ol message levels 2192i) of storage switches 202. Master control s fc i inclu-lcs a in aster storage conl trol level a guard busy level 12S-l). All of the iorcio in s `niches operate contiruously except when cony' located transmitter 2li to a given located director storage Eli.

1n the 'lollowing description or the operation of the circuit of lil'G. 5, it `will be convenient to assume that the ready transmitter it@ is connected to pole point 2 of transmitter control level 21.12!) and that a message has n set up in this transmitter 2li. Accordingly, a ready is transmitted to pole pont 2 ol tran.. trol level Edili). The conncctions on l Eililu are such that transmitter switch 2m* opera continuously until the scanner of control leve llllb contacts n pole point the ready signal, i.e. i8 v. DE. In conse- '726 associated with the scanner trans- Ilfli is cnergired in order to nctuato n nor y switcl ZLtfi, associated with the scanner ol' nuto control level Zlfz, and a normally open sv 'ich flint, socinted with the scanner oiC storage con- Wlicn switcli 2365: opens it stops the dr t. ol transmitter switch 2t0. When switch Zitb closes., it energizes a relay 233 in order to clos a normally open switch 20511 associated with the sca When switch "Lib closes, it causes ground to be applied to the selected point oi storage control level Zlirl. Since this l pole point is niuitipicd to all correspo pole points of other storage levels 202th all of these corresponding pole points are grounded.

When switch Zsrz closes, it energizes the drive mechanism Einleol master control switch 2M and charges a :itor 294i. associated with drive mechanism 2dr. t erred that now B-iis applied through lead :e point lsl of master storage control level 26411 and thatpolc ont N ol guard busy level 204i: is grounded through loud i'. When the scanner of guard busy level steps lo pole point N, it signilles that there is an available storage switch 202 at the N position. A relay 204g now is energized and locks itself in this condition through a normally closed malte-then-break switch 264i: and a normally open make-thcmbrealt switch Zoli. Now a normally open switch 204i, which is connected to the scanner of auto control level 202a of the available storage switch 202, closes.

In consequence, a motor drive 202e starts to operate. When the scanner ol' storage control level ZlZf! finds pole point 2 grounded, it energizcs relay 2021. Relay 202f actuates a normally closed switch 2mg and a normally open switch 232k. The opening of switch 202g causes the scanners of storage switch 2li?. to stop at pole points 2 by Lie-energizing motor drive 232e. The closing of switch 202k energizes a relay 262,1', which actuales make-thenbreak switches 202k and Edil] in order to doencrgize relay 202i, to disconnect the scanner of store.nu control level 202:1 and to actuate a normally open swi h 202m. Swith 202m applies B+ to pole point 2 of policing control level 202C (which is multipled to all policing control levels of transmitter and storage switches Ztlt and 292). Also normally open switch 2921i is actuated in order to connect a particular director' storage 54 to pole point 2 of transmitter message level 202b, which is multipled to the message levels of the other storage switches 292.

In resp-onse to the operation of relay 202i, a switch 202e opens, removing ground from motor drive 204e, which thereby is caused to continue scanning until it contacts a permanently grounded point between N and O on guard busy level 204i). At this point, relay 2016 has been deenergized because B-l has been applied to the circuit of policing level 200C from switch 2mm. Switch 2G61) thus is deactuated, relay 208 is cle-energized and switch 208a is deactuated. Thus the original state is restored and motor drive 206cl continues to scan the pole points of switch 200 until another message from a different transmitter arrives at transmitter control level 20Gb. Capacitor 204:1 discharges through the master storage control and relay 204g. This causes the scanner on guard busy level 204i) to move t a grounded position between pole points N and O.

lt is to be noted that capacitor 2554:! discharges through the master storage control and relay 204g. This causes the scanner on guard busy level 20411 to move to a grounded position between pole points N and O. When the message has been transmitted into storage 54, the transmitter sends a reset signal thereto in order to permit reception of another message.

The various director storage units 54 are selected at random by the above described circuit. Thus under appropriate circumstances information from a transmitter 20 selected by a ready circuit signal is transmitted to designated memories through a storage unit 54 selected at random. Inasmuch as it is necessary to transmit information from a particular transmitter to designated memories through a randomly selected storaga unit 5d, the switching, which, as will now be described, constitutes storage units 54, is multipled in conjunction with suitable interlocks 210 that are capable of selecting given memories under the control of signals from any of transmitters 20.

Director Slomgc--FIG 6 As indicated above, director 24 includes storage units 54, each in the form of a bank of switches for temporarily storing a record in response to signals from a ready circuit transmitter 20. The manner by which a transmitter and a storage unit 54 are located and their connection is established has been described in reference to FIG. 5. When the transmitter 2li and the storage unit 54 are so connected, a cord of pairs of frequencies is transmitted. One such storage unit 54 is shown in F'lG. 6. This storage unit includes column sections representing the orders of thc field to be stored temporarily. The first two and the last one of these sections are designated generally at 362:1, 302i) and 302e. The incoming cord is applied through a lead 298 to a discriminating system 300er, 3007) and 306e, which may be of the same broad band and narrow band type as is shown in FIG. 4.

Each column section includes a holding switch section 304 for locking up incoming signals, a frequency selecting section 305 for determining frequencies analagous to those received, a marked lead section 306 by which a selector switch may determine which digits are indicated so that routes for frequencies so determined may be established to particular ledger memories 40, and a potential coding section 308 which transmits coded potentials, in correspondence with the determined frequencies, by which particular memories may be selected. Although not all of the illustrated column sections require a marked lead section 306 and a potential coding section 308, they are shown as including these sections for the purpose of generality.

The operation of column section 302e now will be described by way of example, it being understood that the other column sections operate similarly. The incoming Cord from line 298 is discriminated and transduced at 300g so as to energize one of the ten relays 304 #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7, #8, #9 and #10, the incoming direct current signal being transmitted through one of ten leads 310, through the coil of one of the solenoids and thence through a ground return lead 312. The particular switch 3M actuates a particular one of ten associated hold switches 314, which establishes a path from B+ through one of ten leads 316 and its associated lead 310 to lead 3l2 and ground. The energized solenoid 304 actuates a corresponding one of ten switches 318 of frequency selecting section 305, a corresponding one of ten switches 329 of marked lead section 306 and a corresponding one of ten switches 322 of potential coding section 308. The selected frequencies now are in condition for transmission from storage 54 through an output line 323i.

Before transmission can occur, however, the cord appearing at the output line 323, iis referred to the watch memory 36 (FIG. 1) associated with the particular composite memory 34 desired. Watch memory includes a simple signal comparison circuit for determining whether or not the cord appearing on lead 323 is the same as one of the cords of a list of cords generated by the watch memory. This comparison, for example, may determine whether or not a particular credit transaction involving a particular customer is acceptable. If the comparison indicates that the cord from lead 323 is different from any cord generated by thc watch memory, the transaction is acceptable and a signal is transmitted from the watch memory to actuate solenoid 163 of transmitter 20 (FIG. 1) and to record the information from storage unit 54 in the remainder of the system.

The cord appearing on output line 323 also is directed to a journal memory 38, which records, both in coded and printed form, all signals received.

The cords appearing on the leads of marked lead section 396 and potential coding section 30S are examined by a locating circuit for the purpose of establishing a path between lead 323 and particular portions of particular ledger memories 40 in a manner now to be described.

Memory Locator-FIG. 7

As will be explained below, any composite memory 34 of the illustrated embodiment comprises, for example, a plurality of memories of dillerent categories, cach of which includes a group of one thousand magnetic cards. One of these categories is described in connection with FIG. l as being a group of ledger memories 40. As will be described below in connection with FIGS. 9. 1l), l1 and 12, each ledger memory 49 may `be in the form of a holder of a stack of magnetic cards. The circuit of FIG. 7 is designed to select one of the holders from its group. The circuit of FIG. 8 is designed to select one of the cards from its stack. ln order to aid in the e\; planation of the operation of the circuit of FlGS. 7 and S, let it be assumed that a particular field being transmitted is 460 #371, which indicates that the transaction is to be recorded in ledger nicmory holder #46 and magnetic card #371. The circuit of FIG. 7 is designed to sense the energized leads of the marked lead sections 396 of column sections SElZa and 32b and to sense the cncrgized leads of the potential coding sections 308 of the third, fourth, fifth and sixth channels of storage unit 54.

Associated with the director storage unit occupied by the particular message under consideration is a motor driven switch 4%() having a multiplicity of pole point sequences including a tens digit marking sequence 490g, and four auxiliary digit marking sequences 4005!, e, j, g. The scanners associated with all of these sequences are gangcd mechanically and driven by a motor 491. The operation of sequences Milla, b, c in selecting a particular ledger memory will be described below. While sequences 40Go, b, c, are so operating, scanners of auxiliary digit marking sequences (mild, e, f, g are being marked with the information necessary for the selection of a particular magnetic card from the ledger memory so selected. This marking, in a manner to be described more fully below, taltes the form of applying selected potentials from potential coding sections 368 of storage 54 (FIG. 7) respectively to normally open switches 41nd, e, f and g, which are associated with thc scanners of sequences 4illl`tf, e, 1J

When storage unit S4 has received at least a certain part ofthe transmitted message, and has accumulated the first two digits (in this case 46, which may represent a custorncr's charge account number) a start switch 494 grounds the circuit of a latch solenoid 4:16. When solenoid 406 is energized, switch 40S is closed in order to energize motor 401 and to operate the scanners of the various sequences.

Sequence 4Min has five groups of pole points 41h #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 occupying segments of equal length. Pole points 419 signify the rst live digits of the tens order of the address. (The pole points signifying the remaining five digits are not shown.) With the aforementioned exernplary address, segment #4, is grounded by corresponding switch 320 of marked lead section 3il6 of storage 54 (FIG. 6). The scanner of sequence 40th: is connected to one terminal of a test relay 412.

The pole points of sequence tlb are divided into live groups of ten pole points each. Analagous pole points of these groups are multipled and connected respectively to switches 320 of the marked lead section 3% ol column section 332.5 (HG. 6), where the units digit of address 46" is selected. Switch #6 of marked lead section 366 is at plus potential, in consequence of which ve of the pole points of sequence 40Gb also are at plus potential. The scanner of switch 40Gb is connected to the other terminal of test relay 412.

When the scanner operates (in a counterclocltwise direction), the blade of arc 40011 will rotate to a grounded segment in position #4, whereby a terminal of relay 412 will be connected through switch 32) to ground. As the operation proceeds, the blade of arc 46h11 will rotate to a pole point at a position #6, which is one of the ten positions associated with position #4 of arc 409g. A positive potential exists at this position #6 so that current llows through a low resistance section (shown as a heavy coil) of the winding of relay 412 in such a way as to open a switch 414 and to deenergize latch relay 406. In consequence, latch 4% of latch relay 486 decncrgizcs motor 461 and meshes with a gear wheel 41S. Since wheel 415 is keyed to the common shaft of the blades of the various arcs, the rotation of these blades stops. At this point the blades `are locked on pole points of arcs 400g and 4ltlb representing 46. Also test relay 412 opens a switch 416 so as to short out the high resistance section of winding 412 (shown as a light coil) and to insert the low resistance section of winding 412 into series between the blades of arcs 40Go and 40Gb. Thus, relay 412, while drawing a negligibly small current, holds switch 414 open. lt is now evident that relay 412 cannot stop rotation ofthe blades unless there is a coincidence of the potentials ot arcs 4Min and 40tlb at given positions ol' their blades.

Multipled interlock Ztt associated with the various director storages 54, in the illustrated embodiment, comprises jumpers, one of which is shown at 417 which connect the pole points of control sequence 4ililc to analagous pole points of other like control sequences in the system. The scanner of sequence 430e is connected through a normally open switch 418 to a position between relay 412 and switch 416. When rclay 41.2 operates, the potential at the scanner of sequence titte decreases from almost full B-lto a relatively low value that is determined by the IR drop across the low resistance section of the winding of solenoid 412. Accordingly, this low potential is applied across the test relay associated with any other control arc so that all other multiplcd control sequences of the system are prevented from stopping at position #46. ln consequence, the busy address is rendered inaccessible to all later testing and a ready director storage 54 seeking the busy address must continue operating until that address becomes free.

When test relay 412 operates it actuates a switch 420 in order to energize a time delay 42?` that is in association with switches 42d, e, f, g. Thereby, coded potentials are applied from potential coding sections dit@ of the associated column sections director storage 54 to associated potential decoders 45Go, b, c, d. rl'hcse decoders select a particular card from the ledger memory designated by sequences 4Min and 40% in a manner to be described below when permitted by a time delay relay 424. Time delay relay 424 operates as follows to prevent the operation of decoders 4500, b, c, d until the scanners of pole point sequences titille and 466/1 have come to rest. ln position #46, the scanner of guard busy sequence 400C applies B+ to delay relay 424 through one of jumpers 417. As switch operating any such marlied digit position will he applied to guard busy sequence 4tltc, applying B-lbriefly to the jumpers and hence to time delay relay 424. lowever, this time delay relay is designed to operate only when its winding has remained energized for a considerably longer interval of time than permitted by the brief intervals of scanning. When the operation of the scanners is halted, relay 424- remains energized for a sufficiently long time to close its switch 426. In consequence decoders dllrr, b, c, d are energized and proceeds to operate.

The construction of an exemplary decoder 45t) is shown in FIG, S as including a motor driven switch 452, associated relays 454 and a mechanical setting unit 456, which is ganged for operation with the scanner of switch 452 in order to actuate the card selecting components to be described below.

Decoder 450 operates under the control of a start lead 45S and a potential lead 465i, the latter being connected via one of pole point sequences 493e', e, f, g (FlG. 7) to an associated coding potential section 3&8 at a particular position in director storage unit 54. As indicated above, time delay relay 424 initiates the operation of all decoders. Time delay relay 424 operates to apply B+ across relay 462 and thereby to energize a motor relay 464. Associated with motor relay 464 is a latch 4166, which normally prevents rotation of motor 4nd, and a normally open switch 47d in the power line supply of motor 468. When motor relay 464 is energized, latch 466 is deactuated in order to permit motor 463l to rotate and switch 470 is closed in order to cause motor 463 to rotate.

The scanner oi switch 452 sequentially contacts pole points #1, #2, #-3, #4, #5, #326, #7, #8, #9 and #0 along its sequence. rthese pole points are connected to the junctions of a series of voltage dividing resistors which gear 598, causes a rapid reciprocal motion of each o transducers 572 for the purpose of imparting to magneti stratum 544 a record of the type now to be described.

Control circuits 533 includes a suitable signal input 606, a card selector circuit 602, a transducer and print wheel control circuit 684, a calculator 42 (see FIG. 1), and a card return circuit 6110. The operation of the control system is such that initially an input signal from coding matrix 490 (FIG. 8) energizes card selector circuit 602 and an input signal from transmission line 323 (FIG. l6) transmits information to control circuit 664. In response, a selected card 54) is dropped from stack S22 onto endless belt 530 and is directed therefrom into holder 532. When the card has become properly positioned in holder 532, it actuates a microswitch (not shown) in order to energize control circuit 6614. Control circuit `tlr-t causes rack and gear system 58S to step bank 536 of transducers 572 down to the last line of magnetic information recorded on the magnetic stratum 544 of the selected card. When the last line is reached, control circuit 6M causes signals `from transducers 572 to bo transmitted to calculator 686. Calculator l combines the information originally received from signal input and output circuit 600 with the information now received from transducers 672 and transmits signals representing the combined information to control circuit 664. ln response, control circuit 6'4 causes the bank of transducers and the bank of print `Wheels to step down from the last recorded line of magnetic stratum 544 and to impart to the following unrecorded line magnetic representations of the combined information. At the same time, print wheels 576 of bank S37 are caused to print visually the corresponding information on the face of card 54d opposite that carrying stratum 544. Control circuit 538 thus permits an accounting record on stratum 544 to be updated automatically upon receipt of the necessary updating information.

Verification for Accepmbil'ty find Accuracy As indicated above in reference to "Director Storage- FIG. 6, each director storage 54 is associated with a watch memory 36 that comprises n reierence list of cords. Each cord of this list is compared automatically by a suitably programmed comparison circuit with the cord appearing on output lead 323 (FIG. 6) of director storage 5d. If the results of the comparison are negative, the transaction is accepted by the remaii r or the com4 posite memory M if the results of the comparison are positive, either a suitable signal is mltomntiI i y returned to the ready transmitter or u supervisory operator places a telephone call to the ready transmitter operator for the purpose of issuing instructions. Accordingly, tele connections between the transaction sites ol transmitters 2t) and the central sites of watc'n memories 36 constitute components of the illustrated system.

As indicatori in FlG. l, in any composite memory 34 each ledger memory 40 is associated with a totalizzer 46 and tile journal memory 38 is associated with a totalizer 44. Each totalizer is a simple adding machine that operates in response to the money amount portion of an incoming si tal to add or subtract a mechanical or cle:- trir l reoresentation of that money amount to or from a mec mical or electriml representation ot the previous total money amount. The tottll'fers fle in associt ion with the various iedgcr memories 4t) operate a master tote-.liner 4S which serves to add or subtract all mechanical or electrical representations imparted by totali ers 46 to or lrom a mechanical or eiectrical representation of a previous master total money amount. Journal memory 38 records in sequence all groups of signals appearing ou output line 323 of storage Sil (FiG, 6). Accuracy of the system is ensured by a balancing circuit 50 which compares the total represented by totalizer i4 with the total represented by totalizer d. It the balen circuit 5;) becomes unbalanced, it issues a warning signal which may be checked by an operator.

lll

In order to permit the operator to check thc transaction promptly, journal memory 38 includes both a visual printed list and a coded list that may be utilized by machines. In one form as shown in FIG. lla, the coded list is produced by electromechanical transducers of the type shown at 536 (FlG. 9) in response to simultaneous pairs of frequencies from output line 323 (FIG. 6) in magnetic material of the type shown at S44 (FiG. l1). in another' form as shown in FIG. 11b, the coded list is produced by electro-optical transducers in response to lig it of various intensities on photographic microfilm.

Operation and Conclusion The operation of the illustrated system now will bc explained in reference to a credit transaction involving one of customer transmitters. The charge customer, alter having selected desired mechandise, presents the salesperson with a punched tab. The salesperson (FlG. 2) places the punched tab in sensing unit 62 and sets up the transaction on keyboard 6). The salesperson also places a punched tab in a similar sensing unit (not shown) in order to identity himself. Visual indicia of the transactIon is set up (lilG. 3) and appears through `Windows. 164 (Iivj. 1). The operator actuates ready circuit 96 (PlG. l). in consequence, cards representing several fields of information are transmitted through filter arrangement 92 (HG. fr). 'lite ready transmitter 2li (lFlG. 2) and a free director storage S4 (FIG. 6) are connected by a transmitter locator 5?. (PIG. 5). Il' the transaction is found acceptable by watch memory 36 (HG. l) a source document 172 (FIG. 1) is produced and transmitter 20 is reset. Now also, ledger memory locator 56 (FIG. 7) selects one or more particular ledger memories, in each such memory, in response to decoder 45t? (FIG. 8) a card Siti is selected from a stack (FIGS. 9, l0, 11 and 12). A record of the transmitter signal is imparted to magnetic surface :Bad (FlG. 1l) in the manner described above in reference to FIG. lla. The record also is imparted to a ,ic-urnal memory A comparator 50, in resp nse to an arrangement of totalizers 44, 46 and 4d (FIG. l) ensures that all entries are accurate. The trans action now is complete and now is entered in all pertinent accounting and operating records.

the present application is a continuation-impart of patent application Serial No. 63(},832, liled December 27, 1956, now abandoned in the name of Edward Regal for information Storage Device."

Since certain changes may be made in the above system without dsparting from the scope ot the invention herein involved, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in thc accompanying drawings shall be interpreted in an illustrative and not in a lii ng sense.

what is claimed is:

l. A remotely controlled system comprising a plurality ci transmitter means for transmitting transaction signals representing transaction data from a plurality of transito tion sites, each of said transmitter means including a signal source, keyboard means lor controlling said signal source, coded media sensing means for controlling said signal source, and interlock means for monitoring said keyboard means and said coded media sensing means, said transaction data including address increments and entry increments, a plurality of memory means for selectively receiving records representing entry increments in response to said signals and for combining signals representing said entry increments with signals representing previously recorded entry increments to produce a record of updated entry increments, and director means for transmitting components of said signals representing entry increments from ready transmitters to certain of said memories designated by components of said signals representing address increments, :said director means including scanning switch means for establishing joinder with said ready transmitter means, storing switch means for storing a record in response to said signals, and scanning switch means for establishing joinder with all of said certain memories, transmitting means for sending signals representing said record of said storing switch means to all of said certain memories and thereafter for disconnecting said ready transmitter means from the remainder of said system.

2, A remotely controlled system that enters data transmitted from the site of a commercial transaction at the time of its consummation in all pertinent records for review by management `in a central ollice at any time, said system comprising a plurality orC transmitters for transmitting signals representing transaction data from a plurnlity of transaction sites, each of said transmitters includes a signal source, keyboard means for controlling said signal source, tag sensing means for controlling said signal source, and interlock means for monitoring said keyboard means and said tag sensing means, said transaction data including address increments and entry increments, said signals having components representing said address increments and components representing said entry increments, a plurality of memories for selectively receiving records representing accounting multiple entries related to said entry increments in response to components of said signals representative thereof, and a director for transmitting components of said signals representing said entry increments from any given transmitter to a plurality of said memories designated by said components of said signais representing said address increments, said director including scanning switch means for locating said given transmitter, storing switch means `when actuated for tcmporarily storing a record of said address in increments and said memory increments in response to said signals, scanning switch means for locating all of said designated memories when said storing switch means is actuated, transmitting means for sending signals representing said entry increments in said storing switch means to all of said designated memories and thereafter for disconnecting said transmitter from the remainder of said system, said transmitters being situated at a plurality of transaction sites and said memories being located at central sites.

3. A remotely controlled system that enters data transmitted from the site of a commercial transaction at the time of its consummation in all pertinent records for review by management in a central ollice at any time, said system comprising a plurality of transmitters for transmitting signals representing transaction data from a plurality of transaction sites, said signals having components representing said entry increments, a plurality ot composite memories for selectively receiving records representing accounting multiple entries related to said entry increments in response to components of said signals representative thereof, cach of said composite memories including a journal memory and a plurality of ledger memories, and a director for transmitting components of said signals representing said entry increments from any given transmitter to any of said ledger memories designated by said components of said signals representing said address meremcnts and to journal memories associated therewith, said director including scanning switch means for locating said given transmitter, storing switch means when actuated for temporarily storing a record of said address increments and said memory increments in response to said signals, scanning switch means for locating all of said designated composite memories when said storing switch means is actuated, transmitting means for sending signals representing said entry increments in said storing switch means to all of said designated composite memories and thereafter for disconnecting said transmitter from the remainder of said system, said transmitters being situated at a plurality of transaction sites and said memories being located at central sites.

4. The remotely controlled system of claim 3 wherein each of said composite memories includes summing moans for producing a signal representing a summation ol the l records of the entry increments in said journal thereof summing means for producing a signal representing a summation of the records of the entry increments in said memory ledgers thereof, and comparing means for balancing said two last mentioned signals.

5. A remotely controlled system that enters data transmitted from the site of a commercial transaction at the time of its consummation in all pertinent records for review by management in a central oilce at any time, said system comprising a plurality of transmitters for transmitting signals representing transaction data from a plurality of transaction sites, said signals having components representing said address increments and components represcnting said entry increments, a plurality of composite memories for selectively receiving records representing accounting multiple entries related to said entry increments in response to components of said signals representative thereof, each of said composite memories including a journal memory in the form of a sequential record tape and a plurality of ledger memories, each of said ledger memories including a stack of record elements, each of said record elements being surfaced with magnetic material and being provided with coded media, said coded media being in the form of notches at the edges of said record elements, said magnetic material being capable ol undergoing a change in magnetic state in response to an electromagnetic signal, an array of control elements, each of said control elements being operatively associated with all of said notches, selected control elements when energized permitting removal of a selected one of said record elements from said stack and remaining control elements when deenergized preventing removal or remaining record elements from said stack, a reading station, means for transporting said selected one of said record elements to said reading station, transducer means for applying and receiving electromagnetic signals to and from said selected one of said record elements in said reading station, and means for returning said selected one of said record elements from said reading station to said stack, and a director for transmitting components of said signals representing said entry increments from any given transmitter to the array ot control elements of any ol said ledger memories designated by said components of said signals representing said address increments and to journal memories associated therewith, said director including scanning switch means for locating said given transmitter storing switch means when actuated for temporarily storing a record of said address increments and said memory increments in response to said signals, scanning switch means for locating all ol said designated composite memories when said storing switch means is actuated, transmitting means for sending signals representing said entry increments in said storing switch means to all of said designated composite memories and thereafter for disconnecting said transmitter from the remainder of said system, said transmitters lacing situated at a plurality of transaction sites and said memories being located at central sites.

6. The remotely controlled system of claim 5 wherein each ot" said composite memories includes summing means for producing a signal representing a summation of the records of the entry increments in said journal thereof, summing means for producing a signal representing a summation of the records of the entry increments in said memory ledgers thereof, and comparing means for balancing said two last mentioned signals.

7. The remotely controlled system of claim 6 wherein each of said control elements mechanically engages notches in all of said cards.

S. "the remotely controlled system of claim 7 wherein each of said transmitters includes a slide rack resilicntly biased for movement from a deactuated position to one of sever actuated positions, means for releasing said slide rats l'rom said dcnctnatcd position for movement into said one of several actuated positions, a printing 17 wheel operatively associated with said slide rack for rotation throughout an arc functionally related to the movement of said slide rack, a platen for cooperation with said printing wheel and visual indicia movable with said slide rack for observation through a window.

9. The remotely controlled system of claim 8 wherein a plurality of decoders are associated with said plurality of ledger memories, one each of said decoders being operatively connected to said control elements of one each of said memory ledgers, said one each of said encoders including a driven switch having a plurality of pole points and a scanner and a driven setting unit having a plurality of pole points and a scanner, said scanner of said driven switch and said scanner of said setting unit being synchronized, said pole points of said driven switch having reference signals, means for comparing address incre ments applied from said director with said reference signals while said scanner of said driven switch operates and for stopping said scanner when selected comparison is made, means for connecting the pole points of said setting unit to said control elements and for actuating selected control elements when said scanner of said setting unit stops.

10. The controlled system as claimed in claim ll wherein said transaction signals are each in the form of coded frequency combinations.

said transaction signals are each in the form of coded frequency combinations.

EXEMPLARY CLAIM 1. A remotely controlled system comprising a plurality of transmitter means for transmitting transaction signals representing transaction data from a plurality of trans action sites, each of said transmitter means including a signal source, keyboard means for controlling said signal source, coded media sensing means for controlling said signal source, and interlock means for monitoring said keyboard means and said coded media sensing means, said transaction data including address incre ments and entry increments, a plurality of memory means for selectively receiving records representing entry increments in response to said signals and for combining signals representing said entry increments with signals representing previously recorded entry increments to produce a record of updated entry increments, and director means for transmitting components of said signals representing entry increments, from ready transmitters to certain of said memories designated by components of said signal representing address increments, said director means including scanning switch means for establishing joinder with said ready transmitter means, storing switch means for storing a record in response to said signals, and scanning switch means for establishing joinder with all of said certain memories, transmitting means for sending signals representing said record of said storing switch means to al1 of said certain memories and thereafter for disconnecting said ready transmitter means from the remainder of said system.

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